Keaton McCargo competes in the women's moguls qualification during the 2015 FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup at Deer Valley on Jan. 9, 2015 in Park City, Utah.
Keaton McCargo earned her first career world cup podium finish by placing third Saturday during the opening of the moguls world cup season in Ruka, Finland.
The two-time junior world champion scored 71.78 points to earn her spot on the podium, 2.03 points behind Australia’s Britteny Cox, who posted a mark of 73.81. France’s Perrine Laffont was second with 73.13 points.
“I’m still sort of in shock, but it’s amazing to start the season off with a world cup podium,” McCargo said, according to U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.
Teammate Mikaela Matthews, who picked up her first career win in dual moguls last season in Ruka, also advanced to the finals, finishing sixth.
Five U.S. women made it into the final rounds, with all five finishing in the top 15.
“I think today’s performance shows how strong our women’s team is and that we’re going to be out there being the best,” McCargo said. “I have no doubt we can do that this season.”
After a holiday break, the moguls world cup season will continue on Jan. 13 in Lake Placid, New York, followed by a pair of stops in Canada: Jan. 21 in Val St. Come, Quebec, and Jan. 28 in Calgary, Alberta.